[Jacob-list] Split Eyelids, More questions

[Susan J Martin]

Linda:

I don't pursue purchasing  Grand Champion rams for my flock........many times I end up with a ram that is located within a decent radius of my home.  I did drive up to New York for Sir Lancelot some yrs. ago - probably only about a 5 hr. ride one way - and he was worth it.  I've had Jacobs now for a number of yrs. and have discovered that many times perfect horns, perfect spots, perfect fleece, perfect health, perfect mothering in the sire and dam don't necessarily produce those same wonderful traits in the offspring -- and parents with poor horns, SUED, coarse fleece, just might produce the most beautiful lamb ever.  1 + 1 doesn't necessarily equal 2 with these guys -- a grand champion ram doesn't guarantee champion lambs.  However, I must hasten to add that I don't show my sheep -- I might be more inclined to pursue champion rams if I did - hoping that perhaps the sire's reputation may precede them into the ring!  

Sue Martin


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Linda 
  To: Gotothewhip at aol.com ; jacob-list at jacobsheep.com 
  Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 8:11 PM
  Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] Split Eyelids, More questions


  Lots of Jacob breeders show. That's not a 'gasp'. It's breeding ONLY for show that bothers me.  I have a great deal of respect for many of the breeders that consistently win. None of them breed "for the show ring".

  If we culled every Jacob with a notch, as I heard they did in the UK at one time, we'd have a breed with only two horned sheep. You cannot get rid of SUED without getting rid of polycerate animals. 

  What's the market for a Grand Champion ram? Just curious as I haven't seen many going on to be flock sires in serious flocks.  

  Does anyone want to comment? It's an interesting topic - does performance in the showring factor into your decision when buying sheep?

  Linda
  who is working to get a Jacob class at SAFF this year - but won't feel bad if I lose and won't feel proud if I win

   
  www.patchworkfibers.com
  Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun Yarn


  > OK.. I have 2 of them... Both sired by the ram I culled last
  > year... Thankfully they are the only ones by that ram.  There are
  > no sheep in the flock with split eyelids other than these 2 lambs. 
  > He did not have SUED. 
  >
  > How common are SUED's?  Im guessing that they are a reason to not
  > SHOW a particular animal... But what about a ewe lamb?  Is it a
  > reason to cull her as well? 
  >
  > There was talk on previous posts  about research done in years
  > past, but I must have missed the ink to the information.  As you
  > all know, Im new to the Jacobs, and enjoy having them , but also
  > enjoy the (GASP) Showring!  SO , the genetics that play into this
  > are VERY important to me.. Especially if this is a issue in the
  > showring and with breeding animals.
  >
  > My big goal is to produce rams that have one well in the ring, and
  > are sold to breeders as producers who have a bit of a record.... I
  > know, I'm a bit over involved.
  >
  >
  > Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides.


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